Hospice of the Plains volunteers train to help at life's end

ByKATIE COLLINS Brush News-Tribune

Posted:
10/26/2012 11:49:18 AM MDT

Hospice of the Plains Chaplain Deb Neal hands out the booklet, Gone From My Sight: The Dying Experience to volunteers at a recent training session held in Brush. The book, written by Barbara Karnes, RN, details many of the dynamics of dying as a guideline for knowing what to expect during a person s last moments.
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Bringing light and hope in the midst of darkness and despair is a challenge not for the faint of heart.

For the eight selfless souls who participated recently in the latest Hospice of the Plains volunteer training in Brush, however, is was personal experience in the face of tragedy that united their effort to help others, from patients, friends and family alike, during life's final journey.

For Hospice of the Plains, an organization that strives to bring compassionate care to the dying in all parts of Northeastern Colorado, the creed and the mission is clear.

"You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but to live until you die."

These words, uttered by famed English nurse Dame Cicely Saunders, who turned a life goal of helping the dying and terminally ill end their lives in the most comfortable ways possible, into the compassionate care program now universally known as hospice, have also become the theme for Hospice of the Plains. They were reiterated for local volunteers who arrived to give a piece of themselves to others in times of need.

From aiding in patient visits, shopping and preparing meals for those who cannot, mailing words of comfort in newsletters, office assistance and fundraising to reading and listening and providing companionship, Hospice of the Plains volunteers were offered a wealth of ways in which to help in life's most terminal transition.

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Hospice of the Plains chaplain and bereavement counselor Deb Neal led the group, who met near the Sunset Manor facility in Brush.

She detailed exactly what the men and women there might confront when dealing with patients and families, giving them the tools necessary to aid in everything from advanced pain management, know when to contact nurses and how to identify signs of the dying process to helping veterans and family members fill out forms during their time of grief.

From the moment a patient or family chooses to enlist the help of hospice, volunteers and staff are there, and they stay in contact with beloved ones for up to 13 months after death.

"I am always happy to hear a patient reject being a part of hospice and say that 'No, I will fight to the end,'" said Neal, "and I admire that spirit. But at some point, many will realize that no more can be done except to comfort patients who don't want to die in a nursing home or hospital."

From providing a peaceful and physical presence at the time of death, to cleaning the death bed, to calling the coroner, hospice volunteers will be there in the midst of madness. Even after the passing of a dearly departed loved one, they keep on, hosting holiday workshops for families of the departed, making phone calls and mailing comfort letters.

"Sometimes dealing with death can be harder at 24 months than at six," noted Neal, "and the comfort we provide doesn't have to be hospice related as we also provide community-related bereavement."

"What we want," she continued, "is to allow people to die in peace, pain-free, with dignity, at home with the people they love surrounding them. This is a job that is an honor and a blessing."

For many in attendance, volunteering came naturally as they've watched fellow veterans pass on all too often. One such volunteer who has given his time and mental efforts to others is VFW Post 3551 Commander Norbert "Shorty" Wilson.

As a Korean War Veteran "Shorty" has lost many comrades of late and wanted to volunteer to help, as well as learn the proper process in dealing with such moments.

According to friend and fellow VFW member Jack Scott, a Vietnam Veteran turned hospice volunteer, "A lot of times we need more experience with dealing with the process and that's exactly what we're learning about here, including how to get veterans to fill out the military checklists, which helps us help them and their families get support."

For those in need of a similar companionship, Neal and other locals who have dealt with grief have been hosting a Monday night grief and bereavement classes year-round at 6:30 p.m. at 242 Princeton Street in Brush. Anyone from the public is welcome. For more information on the services provided by Hospice of the Plains, call (970) 526-7901.